Air Raiders #5 (Marvel, 1988) | Comic Issue Overview
Air Raiders #5 (July 1988) titled "Winds in the Darkness" is the fifth and final issue of Marvel’s comic adaptation of Hasbro’s five-issue but visually iconic 1980s toy line. Published during the height of Marvel’s toy-tie-in storytelling era, this issue blends sci-fi vehicle combat, high-concept fantasy world-building, and dramatic artwork tailored to the Air Raiders universe. Today, it stands as a fascinating piece of 80s toy and comic history, popular among collectors, toy historians, and fans of obscure Marvel titles in their Star Comics imprint.
Story Summary | Air Raiders #5
Pour one out for the Air Raiders because this is their final issue. Did they know it would be their final issue? It doesn't seem like it. I spend many hours each week wondering what happened to the planet of Airlandia and the valiant Air Raiders because Marvel left their storyline half complete and unfinished, and it makes me sad.
This series had some real potential. I love the great lengths that the creative team went to work the word "air" into everything. On the first page, there is a convoy of seedlings to grow an "air forest"! The Air Raiders are led into a trap and attacked by Aerozar's forces. They find themselves sucked through a wind tunnel to a mysterious location that traps wind. It doesn't make much sense, but it appears to lead to an Air Raiders issue #6 titled Windslinger, which they never released. Kelley Jones' art starts off strong and gets weaker throughout the issue, so perhaps he knew it would be the end. Ride the wind, Air Raiders!
Creative Team
Writer: George Caragonne
Penciler: Kelley Jones
Inker: Jim Sinclair
Letterer: Diana Albers
Colorist: Evelyn Stein
Editor: Bob Budiansky
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco
Collector Notes & Value Trends
Air Raiders #5 isn't worth much money. Like the rest of the series, a loose copy will set you back a couple of bucks. Without any Air Raiders reboots, movies, or growing fanbase out there, it's unlikely that this obscure and forgotten 1980s franchise will ever bounce back and increase in value, but you never know. Maybe Marvel will release that sixth issue of Air Raiders and drop a surprise on us all.
Related Issues
Why Air Raiders #5 Is a Unique 80s Comic
It's always interesting to see the final issue in a series, especially when that series didn't even get a chance to get really started. Clearly, Marvel had more plans for Air Raiders, but I assume these didn't sell very well. 1988 was the end of that magic run of 1980s toys. Kids were moving on to video games and the NES. Of specific note regarding this issue, I think the coloring work is unique. Colorist Evelyn Stein did some neat effects work to simulate futuristic TV broadcasts, and it works well. There is some good, although inconsistent, art in Air Raiders #5.
Where Air Raiders Fits in the 1980s Comic Landscape
I would say that Air Raiders #5 pretty much marks the end of the '80s toys-turned-into-comics releases from Marvel. Air Raiders, Silver Hawks, Visionaries, and even Sectaurs only ran for a few issues, and none of them made it to the 1990s. Only G.I. Joe and the Transformers seemed to have the momentum to continue well into the 21st century (they're still going!)
FAQ | Air Raiders #5 (1988)
Q: What is Air Raiders #5?
A: The first issue of Marvel’s adaptation of Hasbro’s 80s Air Raiders toy line introduces the main characters, landscape, and the overall plot of a planet where air is the most valuable commodity!
Q: Is Air Raiders #5 valuable?
A: Not at all.
Q: Who created the Air Raiders comic series?
A: Writer George Caragonne, penciller Kelley Jones, and colorist Evelyn Stein.
Q: How many issues are in the Air Raiders comic series?
A: Five.
Q: Why is Air Raiders considered a collectible comic?
A: Short print run, toy line nostalgia, strong 80s aesthetics. Air Raiders #5 is not valuable, but it is a great collectible and a good read.
Q: Is this the final issue of Air Raiders?
A: Yes. Even though Air Raiders #5 alludes to an Air Raiders #6 called Windslinger, it was never released.
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